Pitchcare Classifieds
applications. Andy reports that, on irregular greens and variable width fairways, the system has proven an absolute godsend in avoiding overlaps and targeting sprays exactly where required.
Ely’s six-metre Team sprayer is controlled by six sets of switch gear, each operating one-metre sections with two-nozzles. However, the technology is available to operate individual nozzles - up to 72 switches for a 36m boom! Importantly, the technology has eliminated the need for a costly signal base-station and gives greater flexibility to switch to other machines or uses in the future.
The system has also brought about significant time savings. Sprayer operator and Deputy Head Greenkeeeper, Simon Winters, said all eighteen greens could now be treated in just an hour - half the time that it took in the past. The entire course can be sprayed in less than a day, resulting in less disruption for players and assuring proactive fungicide treatments or the Primo Maxx programme across the course can be completed at the optimum time.
Combined with the drift reducing Syngenta XC Nozzles fitted to the sprayer and used for virtually all applications, Andy reported they have been able to manage the weekly spray programme far more effectively in the available spray windows.
Simon pointed out that, if he is part way through spraying a fairway or green when golfers want to play through, he can simply stop and reverse out of the way; once they have moved on, he can resume and the sprayer automatically starts up precisely where he left off. If a fill is required part way through spraying a fairway, the machine remembers where it finished and restarts from the correct point.
The control box can be coupled to computer recording software and further refined with new software and downloadable apps to provide monitoring tools and practical assistance to the
Simon Winters SPORTS SURFACE CONTRACTORS
Sports Ground Contractors Ltd
sprayer operator.
Andy acknowledges that the system can be disrupted by overhanging trees or physical barriers that block the GPS signal, but that they have encountered just three small black spots across the course, when the sprayer reverts to manual and then picks up the signal again when it is clear.
At around £5,000 for the complete GPS system, controller and a new six-metre boom fitted to the sprayer, Andy believes the benefits will soon recoup the cost. “We are now in full control of every application across the course. Some people may claim the technology has taken away some of the skill of the operator, but I would argue it is giving a good operator better tools to get more reliable results and help to deliver truly accurate application.”
Natural & Synthetic
Renovation - Drainage - Maintenance Sports Pitch Design - Construction
SPEEDCUT CONTRACTORS LTD
A professional service for all Sportsturf:
• Drainage • Construction • Renovation
Oxford 01865 331479
www.speedcutcontractors.co.uk
www.kestrelcontractors.co.uk
Tel: 01256 880488 Email:
info@kestrelcontractors.co.uk
SPORTS TURF DRAINAGE AND CONSTRUCTION
NATIONWIDE SERVICE
www.turfdry.com
Sportsfield Construction Drainage Schemes Renovations & Improvements Cricket Specialists
Tel: 01529 455757 Fax: 01529 455775 e-mail:
steve@stevenpask.co.uk
www.stevenpask.co.uk Contact: Melvyn Taylor
Office: 01283 551417 Mobile: 07836 259133 Email:
melvyn@turfdry.com
www.pitchcare.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 PC 147
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